SAN FRANCISCO—Pablo Sandoval has joined a group of some of the most elite hitters in baseball’s long and storied history.

The San Francisco Giants’ third baseman hit three home runs in Game 1 of the World Series, joining Babe Ruth, Reggie Jackson and Albert Pujols as the only players to ever accomplish that rare feat in a World Series game.

Pablo Sandoval hit three homers in his first three at-bats in Game 1. (AP Photo)

Sandoval launched the homers in his first three at-bats Wednesday night at AT&T Park, leading the charge as the Giants jumped out to a 6-0 lead through five innings against the Detroit Tigers and eventually won the game 8-3. Sandoval's first two long balls came against Tigers ace Justin Verlander, who lasted only four innings.

The first shot in the first inning came on a 0-2 fastball that was up around the letters and 95 mph. Sandoval barreled it to center field to give the Giants a 1-0 lead.

In the third inning, Sandoval got a shot to hit thanks to Angel Pagan hitting a ground ball off third base for a two-out double. Verlander fell behind Sandoval 2-0 two batters later, and the third pitch—more 95-mph heat—was on the outside corner. Sandoval drove it over the left-field wall for a two-run home run.

The third came off reliever Al Alburquerque, who left a slider over the plate and at Sandoval’s knees. He teed off on that one, banging it over the center-field fence on a line.

Sandoval had a chance to become the first player ever to hit four homers in a World Series game, but he settled for a single in the seventh inning.